Leigh Halfpenny is poised to join Guinness Pro12 champions the Scarlets, according to reports.

A newspaper in France last week claimed Halfpenny was all set for a move back to the Cardiff Blues after being surprisingly released by former European champions Toulon over the summer.

The future of the Wales and Lions full-back has been the subject of intense speculation with former suitors Wasps and Bath distancing themselves in recent weeks from making a move for the 28-year-old prodigious points scorer.

Since returning from the Lions tour, when Halfpenny lost his Test No.15 jersey to Welsh rival Liam Williams, the 75-times capped full-back was also linked with a possible move to Leicester Tigers with some uncertainty over their quest to bring Chiefs star Damian McKenzie to Welford Road.

But now the Times report Halfpenny has opted to join the Scarlets, who previously stated they could not afford to bring him to the west Wales region.